520-565-0038
donna@donnaleighbliss.com

My Story

Optimal Mental Health and Well-Being

There is always hope, no matter how hopeless it feels at the time

I know it is possible from my own experience that making positive changes in your life is possible no matter how bad the circumstances are. On July 7, 1982, my life radically changed. After years of struggling with problems with alcohol and panic attacks, I hit bottom. Hard. My way no longer worked. I felt lost and hopeless. Yet, I reached out for help, and instead of remaining in a black hole of despair, I was propelled into a brand new life that I never could have imagined. I entered treatment and then started attending a recovery program. I have been sober and free from panic attacks since!


During my recovery I had to confront the painful reality that I grew up in an abusive, dysfunctional family where I was sexually abused.  Addressing these issues in addition to staying sober was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, yet I was successful because I kept my focus on moving forward one day at a time. In this struggle I discovered who I really was and began to live a more authentic life.


In my recovery, I have accomplished goals I thought were impossible. I was able to go to school, a dream I always had, and received a BA in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Social Work. As a result, I have been blessed to work in the addiction field as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and program director for many years. In 2002 I retured to school to pursue a PhD in Social Work, which I received in 2005. This accomplishment led me to becoming an Associate Professor, which has allowed me to work with graduate and doctoral students.


My approach to life coaching is greatly influenced by my own personal experiences as I learned and mastered principles of creating positive change in my life and the lives of others. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing how my experience helps my clients achieve goals they never thought possible.


Is my life perfect? No. Do I ever struggle as I pursue new goals? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. I invite you to begin the process of relentlessly pursuing your dreams just as I have.
Donna Leigh Bliss, PhD, LCSW

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MY CREDENTIALS

BA in Psychology from University of Maryland College Park 

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Maryland Baltimore

PhD in Social Work from University of Maryland Baltimore

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, District of Columbia, Georgia, and Colorado

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Maryland

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Maryland Baltimore in 1991 PhD in Social Work from University of Maryland Baltimore in 2005 Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado, Maryland, District of Columbia, Georgia Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Maryland